Monthly Archives: March 2021

News

2022 Honda CRF450RL Preview

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The 2022 Honda CRF450RL will be available starting this May at $9,999.Honda

The 2022 Honda CRF450RL will be available starting this May at $9,999.Honda (Honda/)

Honda intends to keep its CRF450RL dual sport in the lineup for 2022, offering customers a crack at the 2022 edition starting this May at $9,999. There are no major updates to the machine this time around, but that’s not such a bad thing considering Honda’s 2021 edition was a well-dialed machine overall.

Editor’s note: We’ve ridden Honda’s 450cc dual sport during the 2020 Honda CRF450L MC Commute Review and 2021 Honda CRF450RL MC Commute Review.

The fuel-injected 449cc Unicam single is perfectly capable of in-town rides and stretches on the freeway, topping out at about 90 mph in sixth gear. It’s even better suited for off-road rides, providing plenty of snap and power to make trail rides a blast.

RELATED: 2021 Honda CRF250RX MC Commute Review

The mill sits comfortably inside a twin-spar aluminum frame, the same frame used on the CRF450X, Honda’s dedicated trail-buster. This design decision gives the dual sport some enhanced chops off-road. The Showa 49mm fork is rebound and compression damping adjustable and offers up to 12 inches of travel while the Pro-Link Showa setup out back is fully adjustable and offers 11.8 inches travel. There’s a double-piston caliper out front gripping a 260mm disc and a single-piston caliper squeezing a 240mm disc at the rear. In our experience, it’s a decent braking package for the multiple roles of the bike.

Some additional touches take the CRF450RL to a bit more refined place, including the LED headlight and taillight setup, the lightweight lithium-ion battery, titanium fuel tank, and bevy of sound-damping measures to ensure street legality. A set of factory hand guards will be fit on the 450RL standard as well. Though if you’re hoping for colorways, you’re in for a bit of a letdown as the bike will only be available in red.

2022 Honda CRF450RL Technical Specifications and Price

Price: $9,999
Engine: 449cc, OHC, liquid-cooled inline single-cylinder; 4-valve
Bore x Stroke: 96.0 x 62.1mm
Compression Ratio: 12.0:1
Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI w/ 46mm downdraft throttle body
Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/chain
Frame: Twin-spar aluminum
Front Suspension: Showa 49mm USD fork, compression and rebound damping adjustable; 12 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa shock, fully adjustable; 11.8 in. travel
Front Brake: 2-piston caliper, 260mm disc
Rear Brake: 1-piston caliper, 240mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear: D.I.D DirtStar; 21.0 in. / 18.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: IRC GP; 80/100-21 / 120/80-18
Rake/Trail: 28.5°/4.8 in.
Wheelbase: 58.9 in.
Seat Height: 37.2 in.
Fuel Capacity: 2.0 gal.
Claimed Curb Weight: 291 lb.
Warranty: 12-month, transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
Available: May 2021
Contact: powersports.honda.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Motorcycle News, News

Ride for adventure and to aid children

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Variety the Children’s Charity will start its 2021 motorcycle ride calendar with the Adventure Ride leaving from Goulburn NSW this Sunday (14 March 2021).

Future events include the Postie Bike Dash in October 2021 and the 2022 Adventure Ride to be held again in March. For more details on Variety’s motorcycle rides visit the website.

This weekend adventure bike riders will roll through the Snowy Mountains, NSW South Coast and Central NSW to help kids in need and support regional communities.

The Variety Adventure Ride is a six-day motorcycle event departing from Goulburn on Sunday.

Participants in the Variety Adventure Ride commit to raising at least $2000 to take part in the road trip with funds raised to help Variety – the Children’s Charity supporting children who are sick, disadvantaged or living with special needs across NSW and the ACT.

If you can raise $2000 in the next couple of days you can join by registering here.

The ride is a celebration of the group’s completed fundraising efforts and also brings business into regional towns through accommodation, meals, fuel and more for the riders.

Variety NSW/ACT Acting General Manager David Small says the trip not only explores regions but also builds new friendships.

Veterans MC Victoria Chapter

“The Adventure Ride is not a race or a contest of any kind – it’s an adventure exploring the countryside by motorbike,” he says.

“Riders do all their fundraising before hitting the road – helping kids and their families who are doing it tough and providing much needed support to regional communities.

“The Variety Adventure Ride also benefits the towns it passes through, with more than $5,000 generally spent on local services and facilities in each town the group stops at.

“It’s a terrific way to help two groups of people at once – kids and businesses who all deserve a fair go.”

Variety Adventure Ride

  • Sunday: Goulburn – Araluen – Narooma
  • Monday: Narooma – Bega – Cooma
  • Tuesday: Cooma – Tumut
  • Wednesday: Tumut – Molonglo Valley – Yass
  • Thursday: Yass – Cowra – Bathurst
  • Friday: Bathurst – Goulburn

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorcycle theft plummets in pandemic

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Rates of motorcycle theft in Australia took a welcome 16.7% drop during the pandemic lockdown last year.

Thefts dropped from 9680 to 8059 in 2020 which was the biggest decrease in the two decades since the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council began collecting statistics.

This is largely due to the COVID lockdown and riders being unable to ride their bikes, so they were locked away in garages.

However, your motorcycle is not even safe in a locked garage. Check this tip to secure your motorcycle in your garage.

The 2020 motorcycle theft trend reflects a drop in all motor vehicle thefts across the nation of 15%.

Profit-motivated theft by professionals where the bikes are usually not recovered dropped 12.1% from 4633 to 4072, which was the biggest decrease in any category of vehicles.

But it appears the lockdown had an even bigger impact on short-term theft for joy rides or to use vehicles for other crimes where bikes are later recovered with these thefts down 21% from 5047 to 3987.

The trend varied across the nation with the biggest drop in numbers in Western Australia.

Surprisingly, Victoria recorded the lowest drop in thefts despite the fact that it suffered the longest periods of lockdown.

2019 2020 % change
Thefts
% of thefts 
 Thefts
% of thefts 
ACT 126 93 -26.2% 
NSW 2,142 1,911 -10.8% 
NT 97 61 -37.1% 
QLD 2,010 1,693 -15.8% 
SA 824 696 -15.5% 
TAS 192 148 -22.9% 
VIC 2,122 1,915 -9.8% 
WA 2,167 1,542 -28.8% 
AUS 9,680 100.0 8,059 100.0 -16.7% 

Once again, South East Queensland was the hot-spot for thefts, which could be why insurance premiums are so high.

Motorcycle paramedics

Of the top 10 Local Government Areas where motorcycle thefts occurred, SEQ had the top two spots and four in the top 10.

State or Territory LGA 2019 2020 % change
QLD Brisbane (City) 526 511 -2.9% 
QLD Gold Coast (City) 283 229 -19.1% 
VIC Melbourne (City) 250 210 -16.0% 
QLD Moreton Bay (Regional Council) 184 144 -21.7% 
NSW Sydney (City) 149 132 -11.4% 
NSW Newcastle (City) 130 125 -3.8% 
QLD Logan (City) 200 121 -39.5% 
NSW Blacktown (City) 120 111 -7.5% 
VIC Moreland (City) 107 109 1.9% 
WA Cockburn (City) 171 103 -39.8% 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Australia confirmed for limited edition Scrambler

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Ducati Australia has confirmed we will get some of the 800 limited-edition and numbered edition Desert Sled Fasthouse model.

The motorcycle was created to celebrate the collaboration between Ducati Scrambler and the American clothing brand Fasthouse, which in 2020 took the rider Jordan Graham to victory in the Hooligan class of the Mint 400, the oldest and most prestigious off-road race in America.

Despite the American connection, Ducati Australia confirms the Desert Sled Fasthouse will be available here in August and have a ride away price of $A20,290.

That’s $1000 more than the current white model, but it does look more racey and has a couple of extra features.

They include a non-slip coating on the seat and off-road inspired foot pegs with removable rubber pads.

The black spoked wheels measuring 19” at the front and 17” at the rear are fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres in sizes 120/70 R 19 M/C 60V M+S TL front and 170/60 R 17 M/C 72V M+S TL rear. 

Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide Revival Icons Collection

The collaboration with Fasthouse on this bike also includes the launch of a capsule collection of apparel consisting of short and long-sleeved t-shirts, jackets and caps.

They will be available from the end of April on Fasthouse’s sales channels, in Ducati network dealers and on the Ducati Online Shop.



Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

2022 Honda Grom 125 Preview

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The 2022 Honda Grom in Matte Black Metallic.

The 2022 Honda Grom in Matte Black Metallic. (Honda/)

Last October we shared news of a coming Honda Grom update and now Honda has confirmed some additional details regarding the model’s release. The revised 2022 edition Grom will be available starting this May in three iterations—the base model at $3,399, the Grom SP at $3,499, and a Grom ABS for $3,599.

A new engine promises more pep.

A new engine promises more pep. (Honda/)

Editor’s Note: We have tested the entire line of Honda’s mini-moto category during the 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS MC Commute Review, 2021 Honda Trail 125 ABS First Ride Review, 2019 Honda Monkey First Ride Review, and 2019 Honda Super Cub C125 MC Commute Review and videos.

The seat uses thicker foam and a flatter design.

The seat uses thicker foam and a flatter design. (Honda/)

It’s been a while since we last covered the model updates, so let’s recap. At the top of the list is a revised engine and drivetrain. The little fuel-injected 123.9cc air-cooled single gets a higher compression ratio and revised cylinder dimensions, which promises a bit more pep in performance. The bike also gets a five-speed transmission.

The base-model Grom in Queen Bee Yellow.

The base-model Grom in Queen Bee Yellow. (Honda/)

The LCD instrument panel is updated also, with a new gear indicator and tachometer, as is the seat which is now flatter and thicker than before. The fuel tank gains a little more capacity, increasing from 1.45 gallons to 1.6 gallons.

The 2022 Honda Grom ABS in Candy Blue colorway.

The 2022 Honda Grom ABS in Candy Blue colorway. (Honda/)

Another big change is the bodywork, which has updated styling along with new connectors that make it easier to release the panels. That’ll make things much easier for riders looking to customize their mini machines.

RELATED: On Two Wheels 2020 Motorcycle Video Series, Episode 3

The remainder of the bike is unchanged, however, curb weight remains TBD as of the writing of this article so that could mark another minor difference from the outgoing version once it’s released. When we reported on the changes last October the Grom had lost 2 pounds, so expect to see figures in that ballpark.

The 2022 Honda Grom SP.

The 2022 Honda Grom SP. (Honda/)

The standard-edition Grom will come in Queen Bee Yellow or Matte Black Metallic colorways. The SP will be in Pearl White dress, while the ABS model will come in Candy Blue.

The 2022 Grom gets a fifth gear and updated instrument panel.

The 2022 Grom gets a fifth gear and updated instrument panel. (Honda/)

2022 Honda Grom Technical Specifications and Price

Price: $3,399/$3,499 (SP)/$3,599 (ABS)
Engine: 123.9cc, SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder; 2 valves/cyl.
Bore x Stroke: 50.0 x 63.1mm
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Fuel Delivery: PGM-FI
Clutch: Wet, multiplate
Transmission/Final Drive: 5-speed/chain
Frame: N/A
Front Suspension: 31mm USD fork, 3.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension: Single shock, 4.1 in. travel
Front Brake: 2-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Rear Brake: 1-piston caliper, 190mm disc
Wheels, Front/Rear: 10-spoke; 12 in. / 12 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: 120/70-12 / 130/70-12
Rake/Trail: 25.0°/3.3 in.
Wheelbase: 47.2 in.
Seat Height: 30.0 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal.
Claimed Dry Weight: TBD
Warranty: 12-month, unlimited-mileage limited warranty
Available: May 2021
Contact: powersports.honda.com

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com

Motorcycle News, News

Tamworth Thunder Rally rescheduled

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Australia’s country music capital, Tamworth, will host the inaugural National Thunder Motorcycle Rally in October 2021 based on the successful 2015 National HOG Rally, but open to all “breeds” of motorcycle.

The rally was planned for last year, but was postponed because of the pandemic lockdown.

Now, the rally is back on and registrations are open for the event held across the October long weekend from Friday 1 to Monday 4 October.

The rally will include bikes, music, food and entertainment and is open to individual riders, club members and organised groups representing all motorcycle manufacturer brands, says Barry Harley, National Thunder Event Manager.

“We’re really excited for Tamworth to provide the opportunity for riders to get back on their bikes and onto the road after a difficult year,” he says.

The event will feature live music on the Thunder Stage reliving the sights and sounds of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, a National Thunder Horse Spectacular, trade sites, food stalls and licensed bars.

National HOG rally to return in 2019
2015 Tamworth HOG rally horse spectacular

A motorbike parade through the streets and surrounds called the National Thunder Rally Run will close out the event.

“Regardless of what club or brand you’re aligned with, National Thunder is about getting back out there with mates, sharing the passion of the motorcycle community and putting on a great show,” Barry says.

“To add to the excitement of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to announce that the New South Wales Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) have indicated that they intend to hold their State Rally in conjunction with the National Thunder Rally.”

HOG Regional Director (NSW/ACT) Ken McDonald says the merger had been considered for some time.

“Harley Davidson enthusiasts and HOG Chapters are set to flock to Tamworth from all corners of the State to take part in one of the most anticipated events of our riding calendar. Riders will enjoy a phenomenal line-up of entertainment, Chapter challenges and guided rides,” Ken says.

Riders will again take over the Australian Equestrian and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) which was the successful venue for the 2015 national HOG rally.

HOG members enjoying Tamworth's tourist facilities
2015 HOG Rally in Tamworth

“Its sheer size means it’s the perfect space to offer up unforgettable entertainment whilst ensuring there’s plenty of room for patrons on-site as they move between scheduled offerings,” Ken says.

“Our HOG members had a blast in 2015 and we can’t wait to come back to AELEC for another memorable rally.” 

There will also be guided rides throughout the Tamworth region including Nundle, Bendemeer, Barraba and Manilla.

Registration is now open at $149, and includes rally merchandise, access to all rides and entertainment across the weekend, and an entry into the Rally Raffle supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern NSW. 

Glamping and BYO camping options are available on-site.

Event organisers are planning for a COVID Safe event, and will continue to monitor State and Federal Government recommendations and regulations.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

UK helmet maker gets into gear

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British motorcycle helmet manufacturer Ruroc will next month branch out into rider gear under a new brand called Enginehawk. 

Company spokesman Elijah Weir says that since launching their motorcycle helmets they have had “tons of requests from our community asking ‘what jacket is that’ every time we put a post out on social media”. 

“We’ve made some serious waves in the helmet industry and the aim is to do the same in the motorcycle gear market,” he says.

“The aim is to revolutionise the motorcycle industry and redefine safety-approved gear.

“Our mission is to help save lives and re-invent what motorcycle gear can be and we believe with the help of people like yourself we can most definitely make this happen.”

The company has launched their Enginehawk Instagram page with photos of the Predator jacket which is the first of their range of 10 leather and textile jackets and a thermal vest that will be unveiled over coming days:

Ruroc Enginehawk jackets

The brand will be officially launched on 27 April 2021 with full details and pricing.

The company make the following promises about their jackets:

We strive for perfect fit. Gear that doesn’t restrict you. Gear that looks great on all body shapes and sizes. Gear that makes you look like a f*king bad ass.

We only use the highest grade materials that will hold up in a slide. We will only use premium impact armours.

We make gear that looks great on and off the bike. The goal is to make garments riders to want to wear even when they aren’t riding, because that’s the only way to make sure they are when they do.

We keep our prices accessible despite using the most premium materials and manufacturing processes available. We will do this by selling direct to the rider through our website. Our customer is the rider, not the store.

If they are as good as their Atlas 2.0 helmet which we reviewed here, they should be a welcome newcomer to the market.

Atlas 2.0 helmet
Atlas 2.0 helmet

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Motorbikes help pregnant African women

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We love hearing about how motorcycles are not only a great recreational pursuit and as commuters, but also for a range of other practical and humanitarian uses.

For example, we have published articles about how they are used for couriering blood and other samples such as coronavirus testing by Blood Bikes Australia volunteers.

Blood Bikes Australia Peter Davis
Blood Bikes Australia founder Peter Davis

We even published an article about how motorcycles are useful in combatting ebola in Africa.

Rokon scout motorcycle being used in the fight against ebola
Rokon Scout motorcycles being used in the fight against ebola

Now we can report that motorcycle ambulances are being used in rural Africa to help reduce the maternal mortality rate.

Swedish multinational technology company Semcon has partnered with Eezer Initiativet to develop the motorcycle ambulances and make it easier for pregnant women and new mothers to get to hospitals.

Motorcycle ambulance in Africa
Motorcycle ambulances

In the African countryside, the nearest hospital can be a long way away, and getting there often means travelling through rough terrain. 

By using ambulance wagons towed behind motorcycles, more women can get access to care and maternal mortality can be reduced. 

Twenty-five ambulance wagons are being tested in Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Somalia, Chad and Burkina Faso. 

The long-term goal is to have 3,000 wagons in place around Africa by 2030.

Motorcycle paramedics

“It’s been amazing to work for such a good cause. We’ve been working across office boundaries at Semcon and it’s been a really rewarding project,” says Kristina Svahnström, Human Factors Specialist at Semcon, who participated in the project.

Semcon helped to develop the concept using a design to protect the patient from rain and road dust, a towing solution to prevent the wagon from overturning, and a new wagon for a mobile clinic that can be driven out to villages and markets.

­“It’s been extremely gratifying to work with Semcon and develop a great and sustainable product. We are committed to really trying to understand the users and to creating a design that is easy to use, with the longest service life possible,” says Lars Klingsbo, coordinator at Eezer.

Lars hopes they can extend the ambulance wagons throughout Africa.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

More BMW cruiser models and parts

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BMW’s return to the cruiser market with the R 18 looks like being a success story as the brand announces more models and Corbin adds an aftermarket fairing and seat.

It is usually a mark of the success of a new model when aftermarket companies of the calibre of Corbin of the US produce specific seats.

Not only have they produced a twin seat with backrests (pictured above), but they have also produced a bikini fairing for the cruiser model.

They say it will not only protect the rider with improved aerodynamics, but also help lower wind noise.

And to complement that quieter, calmer “bubble” they also have a Bluetooth audio kit for the fairing with 500 watts of power, a dash-mounted controller and JL Audio 5.25″ coaxial speakers.

BMW R 18 Corbin
Corbin audio for BMW R 18

Surely this means Corbin believe the model will be a huge sales success as do we after our road test last month.

It comes as BMW Australia has announced the arrival of the R 18 Classic.

A Touring model is expected later this year.

BMW R 18 full-dresser
Spy image of an R 18 tourer (S. Baldauf/SB-Medien)

So the bike is now available in the following three models:

R18 Classic: $28,550 ($30,863 rideaway based on Sydney delivery)

Features:

  • Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
  • ABS
  • 3 riding modes (Rock, Roll, Rain)
  • Keyless Ride
  • Spoke wheels
  • Twin front brakes
  • Preload adjustable rear
  • Telescopic forks with fork covers
  • LED headlight, tail-light, brake and indicators
  • LED auxiliary lights
  • 12-volt socket
  • MSR (Dynamic engine brake control)
  • Adjustable hand levers
  • Saddle bags
  • Cruise control

Optional equipment:

  • Lockable Fuel Cap: $75
  • Hill Start Control: $155
  • Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light): $605
  • Floorboards: $235
  • Heated Grips: $340
  • First Edition (Inc. Pinstripes and Chrome Package): $3300
  • Reverse Gear: $1500
  • Anti-theft alarm system: $365
  • Low Seat (690mm): No cost option
    BMW R 18
    Road testing the new R 18

R 18 Classic Custom: $30,090 ($32,448 rideaway)

Includes all specification from the R 18 Classic and adds the following as standard:

  • Lockable Fuel Cap
  • Hill Start Control
  • Headlight Pro (inc. Adaptive Headlight and Daytime Riding Light)
  • Heated Grips
  • Anti-theft Alarm System

R 18 Classic Deluxe: $35,090 ($37,598 rideaway)

Includes all specification from the R 18 Classic Custom and adds the following as standard:

  • Floorboards
  • First Edition (Inc. Pinstripes and Chrome Package)
  • Reverse Gear

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com